Books with faces...

Ethan's attention span isn't too long at this age, so we look for books that capture his attention.  His new favorite book is this one with lots of kids faces.. he just stares and inspects each picture carefully.  There isn't much to "read", but we try pointing out things in the pictures that he may recognize.  We're also working on learning the body parts... feet, hands, nose, ears, etc.  We have a few puppet books that he also really likes. Reading has always been important to me, so we hope Ethan will find enjoyment in it when he gets older.

Walks in the stroller...

We talk lots of walks around the neighborhood, because Ethan loves being outside in the stroller and it's good exercise for me. Sunscreen... check. Toys... check. $1.25 for Mom's fountain soda at Behme's... check! Ha.. we have a good time and usually stop at the park for a little swing.

He does this flat smile a lot. I think he's clenching his teeth together (maybe it soothes his top gums?)... it's adorable!

Our new playroom...

It's still a work in progress, but I'll post before/after pics once we get some more done. In the meantime, Ethan loves playing in here! The spare room used to be my scrapbook/craft room and Pat's office. Then it quickly became the collect all space, and filled up with left over baby stuff that we needed to sell. Ethan's toys were taking over his room and our living room, so we downsized our stuff and upsized his! Actually, it's a fun place for us all to hang out, because it's completely kid proof.  He loves taking his toys off the shelves and he can climb on everything.

  

Construction Ethan & Construction Dog...

I picked up this hat at a yardsale and Pat started putting it on Ethan's head and calling him "Construction Ethan".  Then we quickly all became the same - construction Dad, construction Mom, and construction dog!  The fun things we do for our kids... ha ha!  :)

He is so expressive... I love it!

 

Deck time, again...

So, we love being outside. Ethan is absolutely mesmerized by everything - birds, trees, the breeze, barking dogs, etc.  We both enjoy it and it breaks up the day.

Chewing on our fingers and eating paper!

 

Playdate with Lynleigh...

Ethan loves little girls! We had a play date with Alanna's little girl, Lynleigh, and he was very interested in her big pink bow!  It's hard for me to remember when Ethan was that small.

Playing in the Kitchen...

The minute Ethan could start rolling, he loved hanging out in the kitchen and dining room.  Six months later, the tile is still the funniest place to be!  It holds all sorts of things that aren't toys - dog water bowl, dishwasher, cabinets, kitchen chairs, etc.

I love how blue his eyes are in these pictures.

Looking like a Toddler...

Our little guy is getting so big! Sometimes he still seems like a baby (like when he's tired and we cuddle), but mostly Ethan acts like he is over a year old.  The weather has been beautiful, so we laid out a blanket on our deck and brought some toys outside.  He has fun poking at the screws and trying to get off TWO king size blankets.

"I don't need to hold on... I'm a big kid!"

 

Hanging out at the Wollenweber's...

Ethan loves crawling around and exploring, especially in other people's houses!  Here he is at Grandma & Grandpa Wollenweber's.  Playing with the piano and then the easter egg... he loves flopping the egg open and closed (and still plays with them almost every day).

Froggy Kisses...

We found this cool toy store in Edwardsville (Once Upon a Toy) where Ethan can crawl around and play.  They have play kitchens, train tables, and ride on toys.  The older he gets, the more fun that place will be!  We came across this frog that you write on and mail - no packaging needed.  So Ethan gave it "kisses", we doodled, and mailed him off to the Pacha's!